The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →To capture one app’s sound in OBS, use Application Audio Capture on Windows 10 version 2004 or later and Windows 11, or the appropriate native audio or screen-capture source on macOS 13 (Ventura) or later. Turn off global Desktop Audio when it would capture the same sound, then check the Audio Mixer and make a test recording. The exact method depends on your operating system and OBS version.
Choose the method for your system
| System | Capture one application | Capture audio with its picture |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 version 2004 or later, or Windows 11 | Use Application Audio Capture. OBS notes that some applications may not work with this source. | With OBS 30.1 or later, enable Capture Audio in a compatible Window Capture or Game Capture source. |
| macOS 13 or later, OBS 30 or later | Use macOS Audio Capture and select an application, or use macOS Screen Capture. | Use macOS Screen Capture, which can include audio on macOS 13 or later. |
| macOS 13 or later, OBS 28 or 29 | Use macOS Screen Capture and set its mode to Application Capture or Window Capture. | Use the same Screen Capture source; in this workflow, hiding the source also removes its audio. |
| Earlier macOS | OBS documents third-party audio routing; the method depends on whether you need desktop-wide or per-app routing. | Confirm the available routing options for your macOS and OBS versions. |
| Linux | OBS documents ALSA/PulseAudio Audio Capture Device sources, but its reviewed guidance does not establish a universal per-application procedure. | Check the sources exposed by your installed OBS build and audio system. |
Capture one application on Windows
- In OBS, go to the Sources dock, select +, and add Application Audio Capture. OBS describes this as a beta source.
- Name the source, then select the window for the application whose sound you want.
- Set the window-match priority. Matching by type works for most applications. If the title changes often, as with Chrome or Spotify, use matching by executable name so capture can remain attached as the title changes.
- If you are using application-specific audio sources, open Settings → Audio and disable global Desktop Audio if it would capture the same signal.
- Play sound in the application and watch its level in the Audio Mixer. Make a short test recording and listen to it before recording or streaming for real.
Keep picture and sound in one source
On Windows, OBS 30.1 and later can capture audio through a compatible Window Capture or Game Capture source. Open that source’s properties and enable Capture Audio. This option can keep the application’s picture and sound together; it is an alternative to adding a separate audio source.
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Capture application audio on macOS
OBS 30 or later on macOS 13 or later
Add macOS Audio Capture and choose whether to capture all desktop audio or a specific application. You can also use macOS Screen Capture, which supports audio on macOS 13 and later.
OBS 28 or 29 on macOS 13 or later
Add macOS Screen Capture, then set its mode to Application Capture or Window Capture. OBS says that hiding this source removes its audio in this workflow. If you need the sound but not the visible picture, keep the source visible and place it behind other sources, or set its dimensions to zero.
#1 Best Overall
- Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
Earlier macOS versions
OBS documents additional audio-routing software for systems without this native capture path. Its guide describes VB-CABLE as a desktop-audio route, not a per-application capture tool. It names Loopback and Sound Siphon as options for per-application routing. These utilities are not necessary for the native methods available on supported recent macOS versions.
What to expect on Linux
OBS documents Audio Capture Device sources through ALSA/PulseAudio on Linux. That documentation does not establish one per-app setup that applies across Linux distributions, desktop environments, and audio configurations. In OBS, inspect the available sources and confirm how your system exposes application audio before relying on isolation of a single app. Test a recording to verify which sounds are actually included.
Rank #2
- The new generation of the songwriter's interface: Plug in your mic and guitar and let Scarlett Solo 4th Gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- All you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
Prevent duplicate sound and verify the recording
- Check for overlapping capture: if a per-app source and global Desktop Audio both capture the same sound, the result can be doubled or echo. Disable the redundant route in Settings → Audio.
- Check the mixer: play audio in the target app and confirm the intended source’s meter moves. A moving meter is a useful check, but a short recording is the end-to-end test.
- Listen to the test: confirm the app is audible, the microphone is not accidentally included if you want only app audio, and there is no duplicate or echo.
OBS’s Quick Start Guide recommends checking the meters and making a test before a real stream or recording. Audio sources added to a scene can also echo if that same device is already selected in Settings → Audio.
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Troubleshoot missing or doubled application audio
The source meter does not move
Make sure the selected application or window is correct and that it is currently playing sound. Check the Audio Mixer, then make a brief recording to distinguish a source-selection problem from an issue in the finished output.
Rank #3
- PLUG IN AND HEAR SOUND IN SECONDS - USB Type-A connector with a 3.5mm stereo headphone output and a separate 3.5mm mono microphone input. No drivers, no software, no external power - the adapter is USB bus-powered and is recognized as a standard USB audio device.
- WORKS ON WINDOWS, MAC AND LINUX - Driverless on Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux and Mac OSX, and compliant with the USB Audio Device Class 1.0 specification, so any system that supports class-compliant USB audio will see it. Select it as the sound output and input device after plugging it in.
- TWO JACKS, TWO JOBS - The green jack is stereo OUT for headphones or powered speakers; the pink jack is mono microphone IN for a 3.5mm mic. It does NOT support 4-pole headsets on a single combo plug, it does NOT power passive speakers, and it does NOT add surround sound - it is a stereo 2-channel adapter.
- FOR LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS THAT NEED AN AUDIO PORT BACK - Adds a headphone and mic port to a laptop, desktop, or mini PC whose onboard jack has failed or was never there. Managed and work-issued computers can block new USB audio devices by policy - check with your IT department before ordering for a company machine.
- SABRENT SUPPORT AND WARRANTY - What is in the box: one USB audio sound adapter. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty, extended to 2 years when you register within 90 days on the manufacturer's website.
The sound echoes or is too loud
Look for two active routes capturing the same output. When an application-specific source is in use, disable global Desktop Audio if it duplicates that sound. Also check whether the same input or output device is selected both in the scene and in Settings → Audio.
Capture stops following the app
If the application changes its window title, change the match priority to executable name. This is particularly useful for apps such as Chrome or Spotify whose titles can change with the current page or track.
Rank #4
- Podcast, Record, Live Stream, This Portable Audio Interface Covers it All - USB sound card for Mac or PC delivers 48kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time
- Be ready for anything with this versatile M-AUDIO interface - Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with two combo XLR / Line / Instrument Inputs with phantom power
- Everything you Demand from an Audio Interface for Fuss-Free Monitoring - 1/4" headphone output and stereo 1/4" outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/Direct switch for zero latency monitoring
- Get the best out of your Microphones - M-Track Duo’s transparent Crystal Preamps guarantee optimal sound from all your microphones including condenser mics
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the essential production tools from Akai Professional
Windows application audio is still missing
OBS notes that some applications output audio incompatibly with Application Audio Capture. As a fallback, install VB-CABLE, choose CABLE Input for the target app in Windows Volume Mixer, then add the cable as an Audio Input Capture source in OBS. This introduces an extra routing step; try the built-in capture method first.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesmacOS picture works but audio does not
Confirm that you are on macOS 13 or later and using a compatible OBS workflow. With OBS 28 or 29, use macOS Screen Capture in Application Capture or Window Capture mode, and ensure the source is visible because hiding it removes its audio in that workflow.
Best Value
- The new generation of the artist's interface: Connect your mic to Scarlett's 4th Gen mic pres. Plug in your guitar. Fire up the included software. Start making your first big hit
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Never lose a great take: Scarlett 4th Gen's Auto Gain sets the perfect level for your mic or guitar, and Clip Safe prevents clipping, so you can focus on the music
- Find your signature sound: Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- With Scarlett 4th Gen, you have all you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
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Quick Recap
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